Problem: You hate fighting crowds and sorting through messy merchandise

Solutions: Shop during the middle of the week. Not only are stores less crowded on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday but you'll also get first dibs on new merchandise, according to many salespeople. "Retailers prefer to get their merchandise on the floor before the weekend, when it gets crowded," says Jeff Rhodes, a store manager for a line of upscale boutiques.

Wake up early. "The best time to shop is in the morning," says Underhill. "The employees have yet to tire from irritable shoppers, the merchandise hasn't been picked over and displaced, and there's also comfort in the fact that you have time to come back for a purchase that needs to be mulled over."